Where is God When it Hurts?

“Where is God when it hurts?” “Doesn’t He care?” “Why would He let this happen?”

Those are questions I often hear from women who are in the midst of suffering. A betrayal, an illness or injury, a devastating disappointment — they can all make us feel that God has been negligent.

And I understand.

It’s easy to believe that God doesn’t care about us when we’re experiencing pain. But a closer examination of Scripture tells us that God is intimately acquainted with the events of our lives. In fact, in many situations in my life and in the lives of women I know, He is the One who has protected and comforted, in spite of the pain we have endured.

If you are believing right now that God wasn’t there or didn’t care about you (or you know someone who is feeling that way right now) consider these truths from Psalm 139:

God intimately examines you, not to find your faults, but to know all about you (verse 1).

He knows where you hang out, what time you get up in the morning, and what you’re thinking before the thought even comes your way. Not only are you noticed, you are constantly watchedover (verse 2).

He familiarizes Himself with everything you do. He is not only familiar with your ways of doing things, He has them memorized (verse 3).

He knows what you’re going to say before you even say it (verse 4).

He places hedges around you to keep you safe. In other words, God hovers over you (verse 5).

He won’t let you wander out of His sight. He is aware of everywhere you go. And He sticks to you like glue (verses 7-12).

God is there. He is aware. And He does care. And if He’s allowed something painful in your life, He has a reason. And He promises that reason is for something eternally good that you might not see this side of heaven (Romans 8:28-29).

Think about something painful that has happened in your life and something good that you now have because of it. As you do, you may find yourself saying, “Aha. God was there. He does care. And He is still working His plan in my life.”

I would love to hear from you in the comment section below about where you found God in your painful situation …and what blessings are now yours because you have gone through that pain. And if you’re still in that place of hurt, let me know how I can pray for you and help shoulder that load.

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Cindi McMenamin is an award-winning author and national speaker who helps women find strength for the soul. She has nearly 30 years experience ministering to women and inspiring them to let God meet their emotional needs, grow stronger through their alone times, and pursue their dreams with boldness.

6 Comments

As I’m reading your email now,I have just received a letter of dismissal from my manager.I’m a single mom and I’m also a bread winner my parents are not working so also taking care of them and my young brother and sister.Pray for me to get a new job.

Oh, Mercy, I’m so sorry. But I trust that this is perfect timing for you to be reading these words of encouragement at a time when God knew you would most need them. Remember, that dismissal did NOT take God by surprise. And when He closes one door, He opens another. I am praying right now for that bigger, brighter door to open for you so that you are provided with all that you need. And I trust that my readers will be praying for you, too, as they hear of your situation. Thank you for reaching out. That’s what the body of Christ is for.

This post seems timely and I know God is never late and always on time so I take it as His will. A close friendship went sour several years ago and there was never any closure. Over the years I have prayed and tried to put it in the past, but old feelings of hurt and betrayal come about whenever I am reminded of it. This week after resurgence of hurt feelings I had a revelation during prayer of how Jesus would’ve felt at Peter’s betrayal and denial of Him as his friend, even though He knew it was coming. How much he would’ve cried in His soul over someone He loved to treat Him that way, yet mustering the love that God provided to continue on and forgive and love Peter anyway. That was a reassuring moment for me because it is a reminder and confirmation that our Lord has said and endured those things that we too will endure. So I get up again, and let Him have my struggle and I His peace and go on with an attitude of love.

Jean, thank you for sharing that story that I’m sure lots of women can relate to. (I omitted a few details to protect your anonymity). Friendships that go sour within the the body of Christ are truly some of the most painful experiences we will have this side of heaven. I’ve been there, so I can relate to your heart, as well. I so appreciate you pointing out how Jesus felt when He was betrayed by one of His closest friends and how He can relate to our hearts when we bear similar pain. I, too, remember feeling “walked out on” by several friends in ministry when I felt I needed them most, and then the Lord brought to my mind that He has walked through that situation before Me and in a much more painful way. Blessings as you continue to give your struggle to Him and find His peace.

Hi Cindi, please pray that Jesus will soften the heart of my ex husband to be. That the divorce will go smoothly and quickly . I am so feeling like this has gone on forever . By the grace He gives me is the only way I have survived . Not on my strength but His. Just praying God’s will, want to be free of this , and more so move forward in Him. Thank you for your blog. It has been a God send! Thank you God bless you ! !!

Cesilia: I’m praying for God’s presence and direction mightily in your life right now. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).